Qigong

Natural breathing describes the type of breathing that we typically use throughout the day:

• When we inhale, our diaphragm contracts and pulls downward, pushing the belly out, and the lungs expand
• When we exhale, the diaphragm automatically relaxes back up into a dome shape, air leaves the body, and the belly contracts inward

The breath should be slow, deep, fine, and even. This allows our body and cells to take in more oxygen and release more carbon dioxide, which leads to many health benefits such as lowering of blood pressure, slowing the heart rate, and faster detoxification.

Reverse breathing can be a useful practice before meditation. As the name suggests, it can be considered in some ways as the reverse of natural breathing.

To try reverse breathing:

• Inhale deeply, contract your abdomen and fill the upper part of your lungs
• When you exhale, push your abdomen out, and drop your breath within the body
• Because of the decrease of pressure in the lungs (increase of volume) the diaphragm will move down, and the organs in the abdomen will contract

Everyone has used this type of breathing, whether consciously or not. It is the way we instinctively breathe when pushing something heavy. The breath moves vertically, up and down within the body, like a pump. Interestingly, during reverse breathing, the breath also moves horizontally, moving backwards and forwards inside the belly during exhalation.

It is important that any advanced breathing techniques be learned and practised under the supervision of an experienced teacher. Over-practice or incorrect practice can cause side effects: too much downward pressure on the lower abdomen can cause haemorrhoids, and too much upward pressure on the stomach can contribute to acid reflux. Reverse breathing is not recommended for those with high blood-pressure.

“Dantian” is usually roughly translated as “elixir field” since it is considered a valuable energy center, a place of healing.

There is a very important acupuncture point on the lower spine called the “Gate of Life” which can be stimulated by Dantian breathing, as can the kidneys. In Chinese medicine, when the kidneys are stimulated, our entire body’s vitality and energy will improve.

While there are three major Dantian in the body, the one referred to in Dantian breathing is the lower Dantian, a major energy center found slightly under and behind the navel.

In Dantien breathing, the lower back is incorporated into deep breathing breathing practice. To practice Dantien breathing:

• Focus the mind on the Dantian while keeping the chest relaxed
• Expand the abdomen and lower back on the inhale, and contract on the exhale
• When you exhale, you can gently pull up the pelvic floor